Governor Pat Quinn returned from a trip to China to find Rahm Emanuel had taken the wind out of his sails.
The Chicago Mayor celebrated Tuesday after Ford Motor company announced an agreement with the United Auto Workers Union that will create 2,000 jobs in and generate $200 million for Illinois before Quinn, who's "worked closely" with the company and the union, could beat his chest.
Quinn publically said it's not a big deal.
"It's not important who gets credit," Quinn said at news conference at Allcell Technologies Wednesday. But his staff clearly wasn't thrilled that Emanuel jumped out in front of the news, as evidenced by calls and emails to the NBC 5 assignment desk Tuesday night asking why Emanuel was quoted over Quinn.
Emanuel released a statement on the Ford/UAW deal 12:14 p.m. on Tuesday touting the deal as good economics for Chicago.
"This is a victory for Ford, a victory for workers and a victory for Chicago," Emanuel said in the release.
Quinn's release arrived after 3 p.m and said:
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“I’m extremely pleased that Ford is strengthening its commitment to the State of Illinois to create 2,000 new jobs and stimulate the economy with an additional $200 million new investment.
This is the direct result of a strong relationship we have forged with Ford and builds on our success in 2010 when we helped Ford create 1,200 new jobs and invest $400 million to produce the new Explorer SUV, which was supported by an expansion of my Administration’s Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) tax credit designed to help revitalize the automotive industry, one of Illinois’ leading employers.
Ford and the UAW have worked together to reach an agreement that - when finalized- will provide a solid increase in jobs and investment. The kind of economic growth in Illinois that this agreement outlines would have multiplying benefits for our communities. My Administration looks forward to continue working closely with the UAW and Ford to expand their operations and put more people to work for a new production shift at the Chicago Assembly Plant that could begin early next year."
Wednesday Quinn warned that it may be too early to celebrate the victory. The United Auto Worker's Union still must ratify the deal before any jobs are added to the two Ford locations in Illinois -- Torrence Avenue and Chicago Heights.
The Ford announcement isn't the only rumored beef between Emanuel and Quinn. Both men don't see eye to eye on the (still unsigned) gaming legislation that would bring a casino to Chicago.
